The recently concluded COP28 summit in Dubai marked a historic milestone as the global community turned its attention to a long-overlooked contributor to climate change – our food systems. Responsible for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of food production, distribution, and waste on the environment has often been sidelined in climate discussions.
This year’s COP28, however, saw a paradigm shift. The conference opened with a declaration on sustainable agriculture, signed by more than 130 countries. While not legally binding, the declaration signifies a commitment to integrating food and agriculture into national climate plans, recognizing the critical role these systems play in addressing climate change.
The importance of sustainable agriculture was further underscored by a dedicated day at the summit, exclusively focusing on food and agriculture. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) unveiled a comprehensive roadmap outlining the necessary steps to align global food production with climate goals. This roadmap emphasizes key actions, such as reducing methane emissions from livestock by 25% and halving food waste emissions by 2030.
One of the significant outcomes was the acknowledgement of sustainable agriculture in the final agreement document. While the language might not have gone as far as some sustainability advocates desired, the fact that food systems found a place in the official agreement signals a crucial step forward.
Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, a non-profit think tank, expressed enthusiasm about the increased attention to food systems. She noted that breaking down silos and engaging those outside the sector was a positive development. “It’s really exciting that food is finally on the table. Now we have this ability to talk about food systems as a solution to the climate crisis in a way that we haven’t ever had the chance to before,” she remarked.
However, not everyone felt the final agreement went far enough. Yvette Cabrera, a food waste expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, expressed a desire for stronger language in the document, especially lifting commitments from the sustainable agriculture declaration into the final global stocktake language.
Despite these challenges, the increased focus on food systems at COP28 represents progress. The summit brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including big agriculture lobbyists seeking to shape outcomes. While their presence highlighted the influence of corporate interests, it also indicated a growing awareness of the role food systems play in climate change.
The overrepresentation of big ag interests at COP28 led to a nuanced discussion about the tension between maintaining progress and acknowledging the distance still to be covered. The need for reforms limiting corporate influence at UN climate meetings became evident, but many participants left the summit feeling encouraged about the direction of discussions around food systems.
Looking ahead, the FAO’s commitment to building on the roadmap over the next two years, culminating at COP30 in Brazil, provides hope for continued progress. The upcoming summit in Brazil is anticipated as a crucial juncture to make significant headway in how food and agriculture systems are addressed in global climate goals.
In conclusion, COP28 marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the impact of food systems on climate change. While challenges persist, the summit’s focus on sustainable agriculture opens doors for transformative actions. The energy and momentum generated at COP28 set the stage for further advancements, making sustainable food systems a key player in the fight against climate change.
